Title:COVID-19: Pathogenesis and Pharmacological Basis for Use of Passive Antibody Therapy
Volume: 15
Issue: 5
Author(s): Smriti Ojha*, Hina Chadha and Seema Mahor
Affiliation:
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Sardar Patel College of Pharmacy, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh,India
Keywords:
Coronavirus, COVID 19, emerging threat, monoclonal antibody, immunotherapy, infectious diseases.
Abstract:
Background: Coronaviruses (CoVs), having enveloped RNA of positive strand, are
mainly responsible for enzootic infections in mammals. The mortality of CoVs has been proved as
they can cross the species barrier very easily and infect humans. Most recently, the outbreak of
coronavirus induced COVID-19 emerged in the city of Wuhan, Hubei province of China and became
the third highly pathogenic coronavirus infecting nearly 230 countries.
Objective: To review the literature available about pathogenic Coronavirures with emphasis on
pathogenesis of COVID-19, and passive antibody therapy prospective.
Methods: This study reviewed relevant published literature to provide (1) structural similarities
between coronaviruses and therapeutic methodologies used on SARS-CoV, MERS treatment which
might help scientists in understanding novel COVID-19 infection, (2) understanding COVID-19
pathogenesis that may help in identification of appropriate therapeutic targets to develop specific
and effective anti-viral drugs as well as immunizing agents against this novel emerging pathogen
and (3) to discuss existing knowledge on the passive immune therapy against similar coronaviruses
SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV with emphasis on COVID-19 pandemic treatment.
Conclusion: COVID 19 coronavirus has shown resemblance to viral infections like SARS-CoV,
MERS infection. Historically, it has been proved that the prevention of disease, when exposed to a
biological system, is mainly a function of the immune response of that infected individual. To fight
against these infections, passive antibody therapy is the only available countermeasure that could
provide immediate immunity against infection. Passive antibody results in protection irrespective of
the immune status of the host. This therapy can be advantageous in countering the biological attack,
post exposure preventions, low toxicity and peculiar activity.